The 17-year-old completed a deadline day move from Servette on Thursday, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Tyneside club.

And Mbabu immediately set his sights on matching his compatriot Hottiger, who became something of a cult hero during an 18-month spell at St. James' Park which began in 1994.

"I know the name and I know [Hottiger] was a major player for the Swiss national team in the World Cup in the United States, and that after that he signed for Newcastle," he told the club's official website.

"And I'm aware that he was very popular here so I hope that I can make the same impact in the future.

"I'm very delighted to have signed for this big club. It's always been a very important target for me to join an English club."

Mbabu, who had been on trial with Newcastle before sealing a move, conceded that he will need to earn a place in the first-team squad by impressing in the reserves.

"I saw that the speed and pace is at another level to in my country and I know that I'll have to work hard to achieve the same level because there's top players here," he added.

"I hope to finish my development and in terms of the first team, join them. I'll try to integrate into the first team and try to get my minutes with the first team.

"First I will try to learn about the city as soon as possible to know about the people in the city and try to make some friends here.

"From the first day of my trial, I already felt at home. The people are very warm and welcoming so from day one, I thought it would be my club.

"I don't think I'll have big problems in adapting because I'll try to quickly learn English and people will help me.

"Of course, I speak French so it will certainly help that there are a few people who speak my language. But I will also try to learn the language from here as soon as possible. I understand more than I speak at the moment.

"I'm an athletic player, aggressive and I run a lot. I play right full-back and centre-half but I very much like to get forward."